Cases of allergic rhinitis among city residents have been reportedly increasing with JJ Hospital receiving around 25 patients every day, unmatched earlier. What’s more, the allergy that was previously restricted among children, is now affecting more number of adults.
Experts attribute it to the rising air pollution in the city and the consequent surge in the the concentration of dust particles in the lower atmosphere.
As per the skymetweather.com, the air pollution level in the city has been rising steadily since the past three years. The data published on it website states that the concentration of PM 10 (particulate matter) and PM 2.5 at three major areas in Mumbai — Worli, Wadala and Andheri has increased drastically from 2013 to 2015. The PM 10 concentration on an average was 135.5 ug/m3 in 2013 surged to 177.3 ug/m3 (permissible limit is 100) in 2015. Similarly, on an average PM 2.5 concentration was 54 ug/m3 in 2013 that increased to 62 ug/m3 in 2015 (permissible limit is 50). Allergic rhinitis is a type of hay fever that leads to inflammation in the nose. It leads to runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes.
According to doctors, dust mite produced from air pollution is the most common allergen in 45 per cent of the cases received at hospitals. An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction
“Even previously, there have been a few cases of allergic rhinitis but its count has been increasing for the past few years now. More strikingly, this allergy used to affect children but now we are observing that more number of adults is falling prey to it. Interestingly, among children too, boys are more susceptible but the ratio evens out in adulthood. Although its prevalence declines with age, it is also an important health concern among adults,” said Dr Salil Bendre, pulmonologist, Nanavati Hospital.
Around 20 to 30 per cent of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis with 15 per cent of them developing asthma. India is ranked amongst the top 10 countries having the highest prevalence of allergic rhinitis.
